Easy Come Easy Go Brett from Boundless

One of the freshest gigs I played was "Second Saturdays" at Earwax Records in Atlanta. This was between '93 and '96.

A community of black kids from all over the States found an underground outlet for house music within this small, Southern segregated music scene. Key to the enjoyment was the camaraderie among the crowd, many of whom attended the historically Black university system, AUC. There were kids from New York who house-danced with powder on the floor and kids from Chicago who wilded out to Lil’ Louis’ apocalyptic "Blackout". They all found the freedom they sought in this sweatbox of a party.

Following the tradition of underground NYC social clubs/parties of the 70's and 80's, the Second Saturdays environment was carefully planned. A balanced mix of kids was created by the selective door policy. Waiting was what you did at Second Saturdays, and entering was a privilege only bestowed on 150-175 people. After every month's second Saturday of business, Earwax record store would transform into one of Atlanta's unique non-cabaret party spaces with a monstrous sound system and a smorgasbord of lighting effects. Sound providers were Jasz, Doc, Kemit, Kai Alce, Ron Pullman, Brock, Chris C. and myself. The dancefloor was usually packed but it was a pleasure to dance among happy, courteous people. Many nights, the group dynamics transcended barriers into exuberant encounters of togetherness with music.

I played a strong set of eclectic disco classics (Let's Clean Up the Ghetto-Philadelphia Int'l All-Stars) mixed with 7-minute Latin jazz sides (Light on the Path-Brian Auger's Oblivion Express), conscious soul joints (Everything I See is You-Rasa) and always a selection of Fela, when very few DJs played more than his "Upside Down". I played little 'house music' proper but my ear for dance music was developed through partying in the burgeoning and diverse club scene of late 80's NYC: Red Zone, Trip @ Mars, Soul Kitchen @ Wetlands, Cuando, Shelter and even the Building, Powerhouse and Sheets & Pillows parties.

This mix was fondly inspired by memories of my Second Saturday sets. I hope it brings you to remembrances of beautiful dance music from a decade ago or last night.